National Field Hockey Teams to compete for spot at London 2012

The Canadian Men’s and Women’s Field Hockey Teams will compete in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Olympic Qualification Tournament in New Delhi, India from February 18^th – 26^th.  This is the final chance for both Canadian National Teams to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.    

The men’s and women’s round-robin tournaments will run simultaneously.  The teams finishing first and second after round-robin play will compete in the final match –only the winner will earn a berth to the Olympic Games.

Team Canada Men will be in for a tough fight against host and top-ranked India.  The Women are also ready for a battle, entering the tournament ranked fourth out of six.  Regardless, Team Canada is focused and ready to compete. 

“We are feeling strong going into this qualifier,” says Women’s National Team Captain Katie Baker.  “On the field, we are competitive and tough.  We know what we can do as a team, and we are ready to compete together.”

“We share the same goal of every team that has been training for the past three years – qualify for the 2012 Olympics,” says Louis Mendonca, Women’s National Head Coach.  “The plan for the next few weeks is to improve the weaknesses that the Pan American Games revealed and to perfect our strengths.”  

“This is our last chance to qualify for the Olympics and our goal is to win,” says Robin D’Abreo, Men’s National Head Coach.  “Our goal is clear but the road to success will not be an easy one – especially as we face India.  We look forward to battling for every point in a fantastic venue in front of some of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic fans in the world.”

“After our tough loss at the Pan American Games in October, we have been focused on this Qualifier and what we have to do to win,” says Men’s Team Captain Ken Pereira.  “We can’t wait to get on the pitch again.  We are ready to go and get that spot at London 2012!”

The Canadian Men will face India, France, Poland, the U.S. and Italy in their tournament.  For details, visit https://www.fieldhockey.ca/Men2012OQ

The Canadian Women will compete against South Africa, India, Italy, Ukraine and Poland.  For details, visit www.fieldhockey.ca/Women2012OQ.

TEAM CANADA WOMEN

STAFF TEAM

TEAM CANADA MEN

STAFF TEAM